Ergonomics for Remote Workers

By Tyler Doupe'

For decades on end, reporting to work in person was the standard for most employees working an office job. But that all changed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic universally disrupted nearly every facet of the human experience. Suddenly, many desk jockeys began reporting remotely, rather than spending an hour in traffic going to and from work. While COVID is under far better control than it was at the onset of the pandemic, some of the changes it necessitated have long since remained in place. Case in point: Working from home is now the new normal for many. 

The Pros and Cons of Remote Work

The move to remote work offers the potential for greater flexibility and the opportunity to spend more time with four-legged friends during the workday, but it also increases the likelihood of ergonomic concerns going overlooked. When an employee reports to an office, it’s easier for their employer to ensure that their workforce has access to ergonomic equipment that reduces neck, back, and wrist strain. 

When an employee works from home, their employer has less visibility to ensure workstations are laid out with safety and comfort concerns in mind. Accordingly, some of the onus for that falls to the employee, but the employer should still do everything in their power to help keep remote workers comfortable on the job. 

Keeping Remote Workers Safe and Comfortable

To help employees stay comfortable and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders when working remotely, employers should consider providing a written policy on ergonomic standards for team members who work from home. They can also offer a stipend to allow employees to invest in ergonomic office equipment and standardize requirements. 

An ergonomic workstation should ideally include:

• an adjustable-height desk;
•  a monitor seated on a riser and positioned at arm’s length;
• an adjustable office chair with lumbar support;
• a footrest;
• and a headset for employees who frequently use the phone during the course of their normal workday. 

Although increased employee comfort and well-being should be reason enough to make sure that team members have access to ergonomic office equipment, a comfortable setup offers several additional benefits that are good for both the employee and the organization.

The Benefits of Proper Ergonomics

For instance, a USF Health study shows that workstations engineered to minimize fatigue can increase productivity by as much as 25%. What’s more, when employees are comfortable and well-situated at their workstation, employers tend to see fewer workers’ compensation claims and employee morale also improves.  

So, while it takes additional coordination to standardize ergonomics for remote workers, it’s still of great importance to ensure employee safety and comfort regardless of work location. 

If you need an in-depth rundown on proper ergonomics in the workplace, make sure to check out OSHAcademy course 711 Introduction to Ergonomics or OSHAcademy course 722 Ergonomics Program Management.